IMO BREAKING NEWS BLOG

Nigeria’s oil sector faces fresh uncertainty as host communities in Bayelsa State have issued a 14-day ultimatum to NNPC Exploration & Production Limited (NEPL), threatening to shut down operations at Oil Mining Leases (OMLs) 86 and 88 over a dispute regarding security contracts.

In a letter dated March 28, 2025, signed by community representatives, including Chief Christopher Tuduo and Dr. Amakiri Ngozi, the communities protested NEPL’s decision to terminate Multiplan Nigeria Limited’s contract and reduce the number of community-owned security vessels from three to two.

The affected communities—spanning Brass and Southern Ijaw LGAs—argue that the security contracts, introduced by Chevron in 2007, were meant to safeguard oil infrastructure and maintain peace. They accused NEPL of breaching prior agreements by awarding a security contract to an external firm without consulting them.

The KEFFES Host Communities Development Trust (KHCDT) has demanded the reinstatement of the three security vessels, payment of outstanding invoices from 2024, and an urgent meeting with NEPL’s management within seven days.

“If our demands are not met within 14 days, we will take all necessary steps to shut down oil production at OMLs 86 and 88,” the statement warned.

The standoff raises concerns over potential disruptions to Nigeria’s oil output, as President Bola Tinubu’s administration aims to increase production to two million barrels per day by 2027 and three million by 2030.

This development comes amid Tinubu’s recent decision to sack NNPCL Group CEO Mele Kyari and the company’s board. 

Former senator Shehu Sani (Kaduna Central) has turned down an invitation to serve as a judge for the Miss World Nigeria Beauty Pageant, scheduled for April 4 at the Federal Palace Hotel, Lagos.

Event organizer and former senator Ben Murray-Bruce announced Sani’s appointment on social media, congratulating him and urging him to attend in his finest attire.

However, in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday, Sani politely declined, citing personal reasons.

“My wives will not be happy if I serve as a judge. I have not been able to determine the most beautiful among them, let alone among people I don’t know,” he wrote.

He also noted his lack of experience in beauty pageants and expressed a preference to spend the Sallah period with family and friends.

Sani apologized for any inconvenience his decision may have caused Bruce and the event organizers, thanking them for the honor and wishing them success.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has ruled that the petition seeking to recall Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central does not meet constitutional requirements.

In a statement on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Thursday, INEC stated:

“The petition for the recall of the Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District has not met the requirement of Section 69(a) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended).”

Further details are expected. 

The death of Galadiman Kano, Abbas Sanusi, has unexpectedly brought together Kano’s political rivals, uniting figures from the APC and NNPP.

Sanusi, the longest-serving member of the Kano Emirate Council, passed away at 92 after a prolonged illness. His funeral drew key figures from both parties, including APC Chairman Abdullahi Abbas, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, and NNPP leader Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

Kano APC Chairman Abdullahi Abbas expressed gratitude to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for attending, while residents voiced surprise at the rare show of unity. Analysts view the moment as a brief but significant pause in Kano’s intense political rivalry. 

MTN Ghana’s CEO, Stephen Blewett, has dismissed allegations that the telecom giant manipulates customer data usage, calling it a long-standing misconception across various markets.

His statement comes as Nigerian subscribers voice similar concerns, with complaints flooding regulatory agencies over unexplained data depletion. Operators, including MTN, attribute the issue to increased data consumption due to network upgrades and high-definition streaming.

Blewett emphasized there’s no financial motive for data theft, noting that MTN undergoes independent audits and has internal oversight to ensure billing accuracy. He reassured customers that the company remains committed to transparency and compliance. 

The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, has extended heartfelt congratulations to the President of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), Engr. Musa Kida, on his recent appointment as the Board Chairman of the Nigeria National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.

In his statement, Hon. Olopade praised Kida as one of Nigeria’s most dedicated and efficient sports administrators, acknowledging his extensive contributions to the growth of Nigerian basketball. “This appointment is a testament to Engr. Musa Kida’s passion, hard work, and remarkable track record in both the oil sector and sports administration,” Olopade stated. “With over two decades of experience in the oil industry, I have no doubt that NNPC Limited will thrive under his leadership, attracting new investments and enhancing operational efficiency.”

Highlighting Kida’s contributions to Nigerian basketball, Olopade commended his tenure as NBBF President, during which the national teams have reached new heights. “Under his leadership, Nigerian basketball has experienced steady growth, and our national teams have consistently excelled. At the last Olympic Games in France, our women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, made history by advancing to the knockout stage, an achievement that showcased the resilience and talent of our players,” he said.

Olopade further emphasized the behind-the-scenes efforts of Kida in ensuring the success of Nigerian basketball on the global stage. “I personally witnessed the immense work Engr. Kida put in to help our women’s team achieve that milestone. Today, Nigerian women’s basketball remains unrivaled on the African continent,” he added. Expressing optimism about Kida’s future contributions, Olopade stated that his new role at NNPC would not only benefit the oil sector but also Nigerian sports, particularly basketball.

“With the growing focus on a sustainable sports economy, I am confident that Engr. Musa Kida will leverage his position to further develop Nigerian sports. Mr. President has once again demonstrated his commitment to strengthening sports administration by appointing one of our own to such a strategic position.”

The appointment of Engr. Musa Kida as the Board Chairman of NNPC Limited marks another significant milestone in his illustrious career, and the sports community looks forward to the positive impact his leadership will bring to both sectors.